3 reasons to find a workout partner

We’ve all been there. Trying to break through ‘the wall’ in the midst of a workout as your energy reserves reach depletion. It is in these times that having a workout, training, exercise or fitness partner can become a crucial addition to your regime. Here are my top three reasons why you should find a workout partner:

1. You will be much more motivated.

A lot of people don’t like the thought of doing a workout after work. But, cancelling plans with yourself is very different to cancelling plans made with a friend or partner. If they are counting on you to turn up they probably also don’t want to exercise on their own. You’re much more likely to meet your friend for a planned workout session that you have arranged for a set time rather than tentative plans you have made with yourself. Once you get in the habit, you’ll find it much easier to exercise when someone is providing that extra motivation.

2. Intensity will increase, boundaries will be pushed.

You will work out harder because when you work out with someone else, the intensity will be greater than when you are alone as you won’t want to be the one who can’t keep up with your friend who is managing to do a ridiculous pace on a 5k run! There is a tip when picking your partner – your abilities should be in the same ballpark because if you choose to go with someone that already attends the gym or works out more regularly than you then there will be a mismatch in ability, which can impair the productivity of both parties. Whereas, if you are on a similar level as each other then you can push each other to new heights. Healthy competition breeds better performance.

3. Exercise will become much more fun.

More fun will boost the productivity of your sessions. A workout partner can be the perfect pick-me-up when you are getting bored and additionally can keep you on your toes with different routes, pace and workouts. If on a run or cycle, having someone to talk to can also make a difference when it comes to boredom. So, whether it is taking it in turns to do reps in the gym, running a 5k route, going for a cycle or doing a fitness class, having a friend or partner by your side will reduce the risk of boredom and get you enjoying your workout sessions much more – which in turn will increase your motivation and performance.

Picking the right workout partner is essential – align your goals.

Harvard University found that you can “catch” obesity (along with smoking habits and happiness) because it spreads like an infectious disease. The experts found that a person’s risk of becoming obese rises by two percent for every five obese social contacts they have.

Therefore, if you choose a workout partner who is active, eats well and has the same drive for getting fit as you do, then there is a good chance you will not only achieve your goals but smash them!

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